Get in a summer frame of mind by participating in a meandering journey down Fishing Creek through soulful countryside.

The ninth annual Enfield Fishing Creek Paddle will take place on June 1. Registration for the paddle begins at 8 a.m. at Bellamy Mill in Enfield, a landmark on the National Register of Historic Places. Paddlers will journey for about two-to-three hours through lush landscapes.

Fishing Creek, one of North Carolina’s treasures, winds through rolling fields and woodlands made up of loblolly pine, gum swamp and cherry bark oak. The largest tributary of the Tar River, Fishing Creek’s history is both ancient and colorful. Shark teeth have been found near the creek and militia men once skirmished with opposing forces along its banks during revolutionary times.

The creek, which twists and turns as it makes its way south to the Tar River, is easily navigated by both beginner and advanced kayakers. Wildlife abounds — deer, turkey, bobcats and ducks — and the creek is considered a fisherman’s secret treasure with its abundance of white shad, hickory shad, red-eyed bass and Carolina mad torn. It is also home to the spiny mussel and dwarf wedge mussel — endangered species that are now being protected by the Tar River Land Conservancy. The Neuse Water Dog also lives in Fishing Creek. The creek supplies drinking water to two communities along its way — the towns of Warrenton and Enfield. The waters are clear and pristine. The creek drains 894 square miles of land.

The paddle promises to be a great work-out in one of the prettiest natural wonders of eastern North Carolina. Registrants will drop off vehicles at a take-out point and shuttle back to the launch site. Push-off is at 9 a.m. Complimentary lunch, musical entertainment and give-aways will be provided after the paddle.

Pre-registration for the paddle is required, so please visit www.derpserves.org for registration forms. Downtown Enfield Preservation and Restoration (DERP) is sponsoring the event. DERP works with the Town of Enfield to advance tourism opportunities and beautification efforts and events to showcase the town’s many assets to visitors and residents.

The cost for the Enfield Fishing Creek Paddle is $30 per person. If you need to rent a canoe or kayak, please add $25 or $35. Register early, as canoe and kayak rentals are limited.

For more information about the paddle, contact Suzann Anderson at 252-445-2234 or email KHGallery@aol.com.